Regional Government reiterates support for fishing sector affected by rising fuel costs - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas

Following the European Commission’s recent activation of the crisis mechanism under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), enabling Member States to offset the impact of the Middle East conflict on the sector, the Azorean Government reiterates its commitment to supporting fishers, aquaculture producers, the processing industry and traders whose livelihoods have been affected, particularly by the significant rise in fuel costs.

In this context, it is envisaged that, through a reprogramming of the MAR 2030 Programme, this European instrument will be mobilised with a view to mitigating the effects felt in the field and strengthening the sector’s resilience.

In an initial phase, provisions will be made for the financial allocation in the reprogramming of the MAR 2030 Programme, as well as for the development of a simplified cost methodology by the Programme’s Managing Authority. This will be aligned with the experience gained in the previous programming period and will subsequently be submitted to the Inspectorate-General of Finance for an opinion.

The Regional Government will continue to monitor this process closely, emphasising that the practical implementation of these measures will depend on the European Commission’s approval of the simplified cost methodology, whilst remaining committed to ensuring a swift and effective response to the sector’s needs.